- A bill allowing the state to ban sports bettors for harassment now heads to the governor
- The Senate approved the bill and the House concurred with minor amendments
- The West Virginia Lottery Commission will have the power to ban individuals from engaging in sports betting
A West Virginia bill designed to curb harassment of athletes stemming from sports betting now heads to the governor.
The West Virginia Senate this week approved HB 4700 by a 33-0 vote with one abstention. The slightly amended bill was sent back to the House for concurrence, which was approved 89-5.
If signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice (R), the bill will give the West Virginia Lottery Commission the power to ban individuals from sports betting if they’re found harassing athletes, coaches, or officials.
Easy Path Through Legislature
Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) introduced his bill on Jan. 15. It quickly moved through committee and received overwhelming bipartisan support when it reached by the House and Senate floors for discussion.
Fluharty introduced a similar bill in 2023, but it did not receive the same support and was not approved.
“It’s great that West Virginia continues to be a leader. This bill will help protect our athletes, coaches, and all of those participating in events where betting may also take place. It’s important that other states take note and follow suit. We need collaboration from states and regulators. This is another step in that direction. Sports betting is a privilege, not a right. Bettors need to act accordingly or they will be put on the sidelines,” Fluharty told Sports Betting Dime.
If signed into law by Gov. Justice, the West Virginia Lottery Commission will officially create a legislative rule detailing why individuals may be banned from participating in sports betting in the state. These reasons will include, but not be limited to, the following:
- A prior conviction of this code
- A prior violation of an order from the lottery commission
- If the commission determines that the person poses a threat to the safety of patrons or participants in a sporting event or determines that the person has engaged in a pattern of conduct of harassing a sports official, coach, or any participants.
Individuals will be notified of the commission’s decision and will have the opportunity to request a hearing in their defense before the ban is instituted in full.
Next Wave of Legislation?
New bills to allow regulators to keep athletes safe from harassment are likely going to become more popular.
Neighboring Ohio included a similar sports betting harassment provision in its 2024-2025 FY budget, which allows state regulators to permanently ban or place sports bettors on an exclusionary list if they’re found to be threatening athletes over a sporting event.
It was the first ever such provision approved by a state.
Both Ohio and Maryland recently approved legislation to prohibit college prop bets on individual athletes. One of the main points of concern from the NCAA regarding player-prop bets on college sports was a proliferation of harassment from bettors towards athletes if they lost a wager.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is set to receive a bill addressing harassment in sports betting, a move that aims to protect individuals involved in the rapidly growing industry.
The bill, which was recently passed by the West Virginia legislature, seeks to address the issue of harassment and discrimination that can occur in sports betting settings. This includes online platforms, casinos, and other venues where sports betting takes place.
The legislation comes at a time when the sports betting industry is booming in West Virginia, with more and more individuals getting involved in placing bets on their favorite teams and events. However, with this growth comes the potential for harassment and discrimination to occur, as individuals may feel targeted or mistreated based on their gender, race, or other factors.
The bill aims to combat this issue by implementing measures to prevent and address harassment in sports betting settings. This includes establishing clear guidelines for appropriate behavior, providing training for employees on how to handle harassment complaints, and creating a system for reporting incidents of harassment.
Governor Justice has expressed his support for the bill, stating that he believes it is crucial to ensure that all individuals involved in sports betting are treated with respect and dignity. He has indicated that he will sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.
Overall, the bill addressing harassment in sports betting is a positive step towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the industry. By implementing measures to prevent and address harassment, West Virginia is taking a proactive stance on promoting fairness and equality in sports betting settings.
